Editorial Reviews

Kathleen Rundell

The review topics in this volume of Advances in Cancer Research series are well-chosen, timely, and in areas of high interest. They are also broadly directed and cover genes of known interest in cancer (c-src, myb) and emerging viral agents (KSHV/HHV8). The reviews provide new insights into known areas of interest, such as the ability of tumor cells to escape restraints on cell attachment, synergy of carcinogens with particular focus on those in cigarette smoke and those in the environment, responses of the immune system to a defined tumor type, and multistep progression in colon carcinogenesis as related to tumor cell phenotypes. This volume does not include a preface, but the series as a whole has always had the goal of providing cancer researchers with up-to-date reviews of the literature in active areas of research and interest. In this regard, the topics have been carefully selected and should have high interest for those in the field. Careful reviews on specific topics have been invaluable to investigators moving in new directions, as well as to those teaching at graduate and postgraduate levels. The authors of the individual reviews in this volume are recognized contributors to their specific fields, and their credibility assures the reader of a fair and thorough overview of the specific field. Other than cancer biology, there is no particular connection between the topics of the reviews in this volume, but that is not expected in a series like this. With the heterogeneity in topics and contributors, there is variability in style and presentation, also not unexpected. All the reviews have in common a thorough overview of the current literature, through at least 1997 and into1998. Certain reviews have the additional element of presenting a novel synthesis of concepts in the field. Notable here is the review by Breivik and Gaudernack, which relates possible mechanisms of DNA damage to colon carcinogenesis and the emergence of tumors with MIN and CIN phenotypes in specific portions of this complex organ. Similarly, although primarily an epidemiologic presentation, the goal of the review on possible synergy between carcinogens in cigarette smoke and others in the environment is increased public awareness. This is extremely important, although the audience reached by this particular volume may be those who are already conscious of the need for public education. Reviews on the known oncogenes myb and c-src join a vast literature but do provide particularly up-to-date insights on the biochemistry of these molecules and, in the case of c-src, of the importance of c-src in human cancer with potential therapeutic implications. This is a worthy addition to a series that has a long tradition of excellence in the field of cancer biology. As a teacher of cancer biology, I draw heavily on reviews such as these when teaching outside my own area of expertise and I am likely to use several of these reviews in teaching graduate students over the next year or two.

American Scientist

This classic and essential series presents critical overviews on select aspects of both cancer research and the basic underlying sciences.

of Medicinal Journal Chemistry

Zhou Wang

This volume 70 in the series Advances in Cancer Research reviews early stage advances in cancer research, describes methods for analyzing the phenotype of cancer cells, and then focuses discussion on several important topics in cancer research, including cancer immunotherapy, genetics of the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, and roles of TGF-beta, c-myc, and the ret proto-oncogene. This book is intended to provide critical overviews on selected topics in both basic and clinical cancer research. This worthy purpose is superbly achieved. This book provides an excellent reference for students, residents, professors, medical doctors, and other biomedical professionals to quickly grasp some history and current status of cancer research and to obtain key references for further reading in the areas covered in the text. This book features a nice cover, informative table of contents, and effective index. Subtitles in the text are concise and very helpful for readers to get the overall picture. Technical jargon is defined and explained in broad terms. The illustrations are clear and of high quality. It would be even better if some of the illustrations were color. This is an excellent volume in this series. This book is highly valuable for individuals or organizations with interests in cancer research and/or cancer management. This informative, well-organized, up-to-date, and well-referenced volume is handsomely presented. Reading this book is truly enjoyable. I strongly recommend this text for students, biomedical researchers, and healthcare professionals.

From The Critics

Reviewer: Howard M Katzenstein, MD (Children's Memorial Hospital)Description: The book is a comprehensive review of six different topics in the field of cancer research. Purpose: The intent is to present updates in the area of cancer research. Audience: The book is intended for scientists involved in cancer research and covers important topics in the field. The topics are not necessarily related and then may be relevant to only those individuals involved in that particular area. The authors have a significant amount of experience and are credible authorities on their topics. Features: The book is composed of comprehensive reviews of six different areas of cancer research. These topics are all well studied fields and provide a great amount of detail that will result in a solid foundation of knowledge for each subject. Assessment: The book is a useful resource for those currently involved in cancer research.

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